Practice News Story 5: OBITUARY

The “POPErah”

CHICAGO, Ill.-- Oprah Gail Winfrey, 54, born Jan. 29, 1954, in Koscisko, Miss., joined her father in heaven Feb. 14, 2008, at Harpo Studios after a cluster of adoring fans accidentally suffocated her in excitement on her way to her car.

Oprah had a rough childhood where at the age of 13 she lived with her father’s strict discipline. She was taught at an early age how to achieve her best. At the age of 17 she started her broadcasting career when she was hired by WVOL in Nashville. Two years later she moved to Baltimore to be come a co-anchor, where she discovered her love for broadcasting. In 1986 the Oprah Winfrey show started becoming the number one talk show in less than a year.

Oprah won many Emmy awards for “The Oprah Winfrey Show,” which is the highest-ranked talk show in television history. She had been nominated for an Academy Award, published a magazine, and was one of the most noted book critics our time had seen.
Named most philanthropic African American of all time, richest African American of the 20th century, the world’s only black billionaire for three straight years, and not to mention, the most influential woman in the world, Oprah paved the way.

She is survived by her partner of 21 years, Stedman Graham, two cocker spaniels (Sophie and Solomon), and two golden retrievers (Luke and Layla). She was preceded in death by her grandmother, Hattie Mae; her mother, Vernita Lee; and her father, Vernon Winfrey.

”Be thankful for what you have; you'll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don't have, you will never, ever have enough.” Oprah will be remembered as one of the most wise women history has ever seen.

A viewing will be held from 2 to 4 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 19, 2008, at the Regan Mortuary , 2005 E. 1969 N. It is a closed service.